PA: We foiled 17 attacks on Israel
Palestinian Interior Ministry boasts of successful counter-terror effort, says security forces uncovered 15 Qassam rockets, 75 ready-to-use explosive devices; official tells Ynet contacts with terror groups continue in bid to end weapons production. Meanwhile, intensive contacts under way ahead of reopening of Rafah crossing in Gaza
Last month, PA forces thwarted 17 attacks against Israel originating in the Gaza Strip, uncovered 15 Qassam rocket, and discovered 75 ready-to-use explosive devices, the Palestinian Interior and National Security Ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Ministry spokesman Tawfik abu-Husa told Ynet Sunday morning PA forces will continue their efforts to maintain law and order and ensure PA decisions are being respected.
Abu-Husa said the Palestinians informed Israel of the latest counter-terror successes and added that contacts between Authority officials and terror groups continue in a bid to end all arms-producing activity.
Turning his attention to weapons smuggling, the Palestinian spokesman said the situation on the Gaza-Egypt border is improving and added the PA will continue to act in a bid to foil further smuggling attempts.
Palestinian and Egyptian sources said that in recent days Israel, the PA, and Egypt have been engaged in intensive contacts in order to reopen, even temporarily, Gaza’s Rafah crossing in order to allow Palestinians to exit and enter the Strip for the Id al-Fitr holiday at the end of the month.
Abbas, King Abdullah set to meet
Meanwhile, Abbas is set to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman Sunday. The two leaders will discuss Palestinian efforts to maintain law and order.
King Abdullah, who arranged the postponed summit between Sharon and Abbas last week, offered his assistance with security issues and negotiating efforts with Israel.
Abbas is expected to update Abdullah on recent developments with Israel, including the controversial border crossings issue and and particularly the Rafah crossing.
The Palestinian leader will request the King assist in persuading Israel to fulfill its commitments.
Abbas will also inform Abdullah of recent developments on the ground in the PA and ask that Jordan and several other Arab and western countries, headed by the U.S., press Israel to begin implementing its obligations under the Road Map peace plan.
Abbas is scheduled to visit Cairo Monday and will continue to France and Spain before reaching the U.S.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa said Abbas' main objective is to prompt world leaders to pressure Israel into halting all strikes against the Palestinians and meeting its commitments in a bid to advance the peace process.
Al-Kidwa said the Palestinian leader will slam Israel's attempts to handle controversial issues separately, particularly regarding the crossings between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
According to al-Kidwa, Israel plans to delay resolving the issues in a bid to create facts on the ground - both geographical and demographic - in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
He also said Abbas would also request financial aid in order to rehabilitate the Palestinian economy.
